NEVER mind pubs or living rooms, football fans in Guildford can look forward to an alternative place to follow their team during the World Cup.

St John’s Stoke Church, in Stoke Road, will use its high definition screens to televise every single one of England's encounters in South Africa.

Rector Mark Woodward, who said the church would make for an accessible, family-friendly venue for supporters of all ages, is hoping that around 200 people will turn up to watch the team’s first game against the USA.

“We are a church that really wants to be part of the local community,” he said.

“During the last four years we have worked to become a key part of what people enjoy about this town and this is part of that.

“The inside of the church is actually quite vibrant and contemporary, we have plenty of young people in our congregation.”

St John’s will also organise a competition for the best-dressed football fan as well as providing free food and drink

Among the prizes on offer will be a football signed by the Woking FC squad, free entry to a game and four tickets to watch the Guildford Flames ice hockey team.

“This will be an alcohol-free event because the idea is for it to be family orientated,” Mr Woodward added.

“We know some people will choose to watch matches in pubs – pubs are doing great things and we welcome that but you can’t take children into pubs.”

Mr Woodward said he was confident supporters would still be visiting the church on Sunday, July 11.

“Hopefully, England will get all the way to the final and we will be there to follow the lads,” he said.

The 2010 World Cup kicks off on Friday, June 11 when the host nation, South Africa, will be taking on Mexico.

England’s campaign starts the following day with a clash against the United States.